Wonderland Fantasy

by Anne O’Nonymous

 

Part 3

 

Standing there alone, I looked around. Near the rear wall, stood a single long table, and, facing that table, were three groups of three tables, all being prepared by caterers for a later dinner. I sure hoped we would be invited to stay for dinner, as I was famished. Along the walls were columns with buttresses supporting the high vaulted ceiling, and between the columns were paintings and tapestries. The whole place had the look and feel of a medieval castle.

As Amy approached the group, Jan turned and saw me. "I don’t believe it. You look great! Ms. Angelis, she’s here!"

"Finally, I get to meet this wonderful creature of yours," the tallest of the group said as they almost turned in unison. "My name is Ms. Claudia Angelis, CEO of Chantel Frocks, and I am most pleased to meet you, Alice. I would like to present to you my daughters, Ms. Margo Carter, Chief Financial Officer, and Ms. Caitlin Grant, Head of our Legal Department. Margo, Caitlin, I would like you to meet Alice – she will be the spokeswoman as well as a model for the Wonderland branch."

Well, I managed a very deep curtsey to each, folded my hands, demurely, in front of me, smiled and greeted each one with a handshake and a hug. (Later on, thinking about it, I asked myself: "Do women greet each other that way? Or, do they just hug?") Ms. Claudia Angelis, dressed in a lavender business skirt-suit with her auburn hair done up in a French Twist, was at least six feet tall, in her early fifties, was also a very handsome woman. Oh, I don’t mean she wasn’t gorgeous – this was something far beyond mere physical attraction. It could be called charisma or something similar, like a commanding presence – you didn’t have to please her, you wanted to. The daughters appeared to be miniatures of their mother, only an inch or three shorter. Caitlin had reddish-brown hair, a friendly smile, and the grip of an athlete. Margo, the shortest of the three, was more business-like. Her thin smile seemed to be an attempt to suppress a jovial inner personality. The two also had French Twists, leaving me to believe the same beautician did their hair.

"I am most pleased to meet you, Ms. Angelis, and your lovely daughters, Margo and Caitlin," I replied.

"Please, dear, Claudia is fine. Would you please do me a favor?"

"Yes, ma’am. What would you like?"

"Would you lift your dress and petticoats for us?"

I was taken aback a little by this request. What if I refused? It does seem harmless enough. "Okay," I said, as I lifted the dress and underthings.

Margo knelt down to examine the pettipants closer, as Caitlin held the petticoats up, feeling the edge. My imagination ran away with me as I thought of them to be prospective buyers checking out today’s offerings.

"These are exquisite!" Margo stated, as she stood up. Caitlin echoed her sentiments a moment later. Both seemed to be satisfied, and I was glad they didn’t do too much feeling around. I had no idea if they realized who or what I really was.

There was the tinkling sound of a bell, with Claudia calling out, "Ladies, if I may have your attention. Please gather around and I will explain the meaning of this Saturday meeting."

With Jan gripping my right hand, Amy holding my left, Claudia in back, holding me by the shoulders, I had nowhere to run. I watched as I was encircled; I felt like an old west wagon train.

Claudia started her speech: "As you all know, due to the accidental death of its founder, a company became available to us for outright purchase because the founder’s family wished to pursue other interests. This company was a manufacturer and distributor of a line of upscale teenage apparel. Their line included prom gowns, cotillion dresses, clothes for that first interview and so forth. I will not go into the complete details right now. There were several stores included in this deal, and they are in the process of being converted over to ‘Wonderland Shops.’ Yes, as you may have guessed, that’s the new division! Since it was her suggestion, I asked Jan Parker to find a person to represent ‘Alice,’ who will be used in various ways by this division."

Here Claudia paused to take a drink of water. She continued, "The only specs she was given were: a. – not a professional model, b. – live in the area, and c. – be available in a week. Well, she came through, with a bang. Now, ladies, I’ll leave it for awhile as I think the tables are ready."

Oh, thank the gods! Claudia took one arm, Jan took the other, and I was escorted to a place at the single table, seated between Jan and Margo.

"Alice, after the meal, there are legal documents for you to sign," Margo relayed from Claudia.

Jan paused for a moment, then said, "He, err, she’s got the job?"

"Yes, both of them," Margo said, laughingly.

Well, I was hungry, but managed to eat as daintily as possible. A seafood salad came first, followed by breaded pork chops, apple sauce, grilled chicken, asparagus, string beans, corn, grilled shrimp, etc., and each course had a different wine. Dessert was Jell-o, chocolate or vanilla ice cream, and apple or cherry pie (I had a piece of both). I was surprised to see these ladies were no slackers when it came to eating. I just LOVED this group, as I seemed to really fit in!

After the coffee was set out and poured, the caterers were asked to leave the room, as there was to be a private company meeting. When that was accomplished, Ms. Angelis turned on and tested the sound system. When she felt it was just right, she started:

"Ladies, what I am about to tell you can go no further than the chair you are sitting in. This is to be kept strictly confidential. So, that said, let me introduce our main speaker, Miss Jan Parker."

Jan got up to scattered polite applause, went over to Claudia, took the small hand mike, and started: "When I received this assignment, I thought of a friend of mine who could fit as a model. But then I remembered she was too tall. So I thought of Alice, as in Alice in Wonderland, and just who she was. If you read the book, you will recall she was sweet, kind, considerate, intelligent, curious, brave, polite, and, yes, pretty. Well, that was the type of person I thought should be our Alice, and I knew exactly who that was. So, without further ado, Alice, come here please."

The moment of truth arrived! How would I be received? Should I just slink out now – oh, hell, I’m being too melodramatic. Okay, Dave, err, Alice, get up, walk to Jan and take the mike. Keep your legs together, and pray you don’t trip! My legs worked; my mind didn’t. I stood beside Jan, holding on to her for dear life as she introduced me: "Ladies, I’d like you all to meet the spokesperson for ‘Wonderland,’ my most dearest friend, companion, and brother, David!"

I expected silence; shear, stunned, absolute silence! From this staid audience, what I got was a wild applause, even a few wolf whistles. (I think one was Joanne; the other, Tina.) Comments that I could hear were all kind. I wanted to make a statement about how I felt, but started crying. For no reason, you could ask, but I had a damn good one: I was happy as heck! The rest was a blur.

Well, as the caterers cleaned the room and some of the ladies renewed their lipstick, Jan and I spent time with introductions to my new coworkers, from the VPs of various divisions down to a few department heads. As we made the rounds, Claudia and Margo intercepted and guided us to a side room, used as an office.

This was a very neat room, with a desk taking up a third of the space. On the desk was a pile of papers, two pens, and the obligatory photos. A filing cabinet stood against a cream painted wall. Seated in one chair was a strikingly beautiful woman. (She looked like a movie star, initials K.B., only with coal-black hair.)

"Dani! I’m glad to see you," Claudia said in greetings, "You know Margo and Jan, I’m sure. And this is your project: Alice. Alice, I’d like you to meet the Graphics and Development Head of Wonderland, Miss Dani Marsh. She’s in complete charge of taking all photos, approving all advertisements, and, Dani, Alice’s real name is David Parker – Jan’s brother."

"Ahh, nepotism rears its ugly head," Dani said, smiling broadly, as she shook my hand. "Claudia, I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner, but delivery of those documents took longer that I anticipated."

"That’s quite alright. You’re here now. That’s all that matters. Did you eat?"

"I was out in the kitchen and had enough, thank you."

Now, I was in a real bind! I was in love with Amy, Paula, and now, Dani.

"Okay, let’s get to the papers. Here’s how this goes, David. You will sign, as David Parker, a paper authorizing Jan to act on your behalf as your representative. That paper goes into my safe here, and a copy in a safe at work. After that, Jan signs all other documents for you. No one will know your true identity outside the company. She will read each paper, sign or ask for an amendment or explanation, then explain it to you. I’m not sure how well versed you are in corporate law . . ."

"Excuse me, ma’am," I interrupted, "I trust my sister to do the right thing." Which I really did, but my eyes and mind were focused on Dani. She had gorgeous green eyes, jet-black hair, luscious red lips, a flawless complexion, and, whom was I kidding; I probably had no chance with her. Just like with all the other females in my life – all I could do was admire from afar.

"Dave, will you sign sometime this year?"

I was back to reality, such as it is. Taking the pen in hand, I signed the first paper putting the rest of my life in my sister’s hands – not reading large or small print. Jan carefully looked over each paper, signed, then explained: "Contract of Employment," "Company Medical Plan," "401K," "Life Insurance," "Accident Coverage," "Nondisclosure of Company Internal Documents."

At one paper, she stopped, giggled a bit, and then explained: "This is the Company Dress Code. You must wear dresses or skirts, no pants or slacks. Makeup must be subdued. Heels of two to four inches are acceptable – extremely high heels are banned because of possible twisted ankles from falls. You can read the rest later! Looks like you’re stuck for awhile."

Now over the last half hour, I forgot exactly what I was wearing, as it wasn’t that uncomfortable. Then I heard Jan gasp, squeal something, and practically shoved a paper under my nose.

"Do you know what you will be making a year, as a salary, just to start?" she joyfully screamed, "Forty thousand, and that’s just a starter. You get a stock option, a bonus, paid traveling expenses – well, we both will – and a ten thousand dollar yearly raise!"

I was in shock! That was a lot of money. From being unemployed in pants to employed in panties – I’ll take the panties; well, most of the time.

"Since Jan is occupied, maybe I should explain Alice’s duties," Dani stated.

Well it would help to know just what I would do to earn that much money, short of robbing a bank. "Dani," I said, "you’re right. I’m not sure what I will be doing!"

"Okay. This is a five-year contract. For the first three years, you will model each item that goes into the in-store catalogues, from inside out. Airbrushing and computer enhancement will remove any problems that stick up," she remarked with a smile. "When a new store opens, you, as our Official Representative, will be on hand to cut ribbons and greet customers. A graceful curtsey does go a long way. By the way, Jan, sometimes Amy when necessary, and I will also travel with you; we can use a single motel or hotel room with two double beds. You’ll have a company credit card for those trips. There will also be trade shows, conventions, association meetings and other trips away from the offices where you will represent the company. Plus ads, TV commercials and so on will keep you busy. During the last two years, you will be either modeling or an executive in this division."

Now I was stunned. I barely heard Jan saying she reached the end of the papers and now I was, officially, an employee of Chantel Frocks.

Still in a state of shock, I needed air to clear my head. I asked to be excused, and started wandering around; I found the hall to be devoid of tables, food and people. Most of them had left to go home to their respective family. Walking around to the front, I found a door and the front porch. I remembered seeing an old-fashioned glider out there. It was where I thought it to be. Gathering my skirts, I carefully sat, spreading the dress and petticoats. Back and forth the glider went, as well as my thoughts. What is man, woman, and who made the distinction. I was perfectly comfortable wearing these femmie things – was there anything wrong with me; or, was it the world around me, denying the items that I was beginning to feel most at ease with. Am I less a man, is there some internal weakness that makes me feel this "female" way, or is there just no reasonable explanation. Well, cover a lump of coal with mink fur, and it’s still a lump of coal.

"Hi! Can I sit here with you?" came a soft voice.

"Sure, sit down and enjoy the sounds of the night," I replied, still rocking.

Dani sat beside me, placing her head on my shoulder. "I’m going to love being with you," she said. "Can I tell you a secret?"

"Sure, I can keep one."

"I like soft, feminine males."

"Why? I thought all girls went for the big, strong, protective guys – you know, the hangouts at muscle beach."

"I did, for a while. Bruce, who wanted to be a football player, was the first and I went for him, big time! He was controlling, demanding, arrogant and used me to improve his grades. I did his homework all through Junior High. In Senior High, there was Alex, then Mike, Joe, finally Phil. I seem to just attract them. So, I tried girls! Had a few lesbian affairs. I guess I just wasn’t that way. When I was in a graphics trade school, you know for ad agency work, I met this girl. She told me about her neighbor: how sweet, considerate, and polite he was. Then she told me about how, on a date, he greeted her at his door, wearing a French maid’s outfit, and how he served and serviced her one evening. Seems the guy was a decorated veteran and police officer."

"Wow," I replied, trying to understand how a man could wear a military uniform, a police uniform and a maid’s outfit. A man that is hard and soft seems to be a contradiction in terms.

"So, now I found you. Oh, don’t worry," she laughed, "You don’t need a maid’s uniform. Oh, am I okay to ask if you are a virgin?"

"Yes, and I’m not ashamed to say it."

"Well, that gives me something to shoot for – to take your virginity. And rumor has it, Amy is also in the running."

A door opened, closed, then there was the sound of footsteps across the porch.

"At last, I found you. I’ve been all over the place."

"Are we going home soon, Jan," I inquired.

"Dani didn’t tell you." Jan replied.

If it had been a little brighter, I might have seen her raised eyebrow. As it was, I could only guess at what was coming.

"You are staying overnight here. Tomorrow, about three in the afternoon, you’ll leave for my place to live with me," Dani interjected. "My parents left me a very large house; one that’s too big for just myself. So, I figured on inviting Jan, Amy and ‘Alice’ to move in. I do have three servants and a live-in cook."

"What do you say, Dave? The house is paid for and all we need do is contribute to utility and tax bills."

"What about the old house and those mortgage payments?"

"I arranged with Claudia to buy those payments. She can sell the house to our newer employees at Wonderland, take out her investment with interest and bank the rest in our name."

A third "wow" tonight! I would actually live in the same house as Dani! Should I play it cool, or tell it like it is.

"Jan, that’s great – in a good way! I thought those expenses would strangle us, with you being the only one contributing to the payments." Immediately we executed a hug and kiss, then I hugged and kissed Dani saying, "This is in thanks for what you are doing."

"Hey, it’s my pleasure, and I do mean pleasure now that I’ve seen you."

It was slowly getting darker out, so the three of us retreated to the inside. To get to the main house, we entered to the hall area, made a left turn, walked about fifteen feet, another left turn and entered a long hallway. Ms. Angelis must love paintings as the off-white hall walls were covered with them. Beautiful women, seascapes, boats, and one or two landscapes filled the corridor from the meeting hall to the house.

As we walked, Jan explained to me: "The main entrance to the house is on the left side of the building, just off a parking area. The three-car garage in back is separated from the house by a short covered walkway. That entrance goes into the house pantry and kitchen. The patio and pool area in the rear has its house entrance by the laundry room. There are twelve bedrooms, and the daughters and their husbands have the exclusive use of the fourth floor, replete with a private elevator."

At that point, we entered the main house and stopped for a moment. I took a look around at the activities going on. There were two tables of card players (one playing Bridge, the other Poker), a group of four was discussing music and art, and, in one corner, several were watching a program on one of the three TVs available. A uniformed maid was serving drinks and snacks. (I still can’t believe how much these ladies could eat!) Jan tapped me on the shoulder and pointed to Claudia, who was trying to get my attention.

I walked over to Claudia (maybe that should be minced, sashayed or glided) and, as usual, curtseyed.

"Please, dear, you’ll wear yourself out doing that. Sit, I want to tell you about the company," she said while motioning to a nearby maid.

Claudia guided me to a leather sofa where we sat down. I remembered to take care of the skirts automatically. The maid appeared with a tray of chocolate chip cookies and two mugs of hot chocolate with marshmallows.

"Dani explained your work, now do you have any questions," she asked, taking a sip of chocolate.

"All these paintings are great – are there any really valuable ones here?"

Claudia laughed and stated, "That depends on what your idea of value is: Dutch masterpieces, no; any famous schools, no. Several paintings are by my daughters; others I picked up at flea markets and auctions. They just appealed to me."

"I really like them, too. Jan told me a lot about the company, but she’s kinda restrained about things outside her area."

"Okay," Claudia replied, "drink your chocolate, have some cookies, and I’ll fill you in. We have ‘Holiday Haven,’ which is leisurewear, swimsuits, and so forth. ‘Stocks and Bonds’ is the business suit and formalwear division. ‘Wonderland’ is the coming-of-age division. It will cover fourteen to college. Last, ‘Workables’ is the uniform division – from school to waitress to maid and everything in between. All the ‘unmentionables’ are made to order by exclusive contract companies. We have ten manufacturing and distribution centers in various parts of the country, and our home office is located here. I think that about covers it. Did your sister mention that you will be my guest tonight?"

"Yes, ma’am. She also mentioned something about a bank?"

Claudia laughed. "So, she ’fessed up to you, heh?"

I don’t know how to describe Claudia’s laugh; charming comes to mind. To see a woman of her power and then hear this soft expression of her amusement; I guess humans are just full of contradictions.

As we sat, discussing art and other details, Jan joined us. Soon others followed, and I found myself actually involved in a discussion of ladies’ clothes. One woman, Charlotte Dane, asked if she could see my underwear.

I complied with her request, first pulling up the pinafore, then the dress. I turned them back so they were lying in my lap. Next, each petticoat was turned, separately. Now you may say this is silly, but I actually felt proud to wear such nice things. Some of those present knelt and examined the lacy items more closely, their hands wandering over the garments, feeling the texture.

The questions followed: "Who made the pantalets? Do you feel comfortable wearing such frilly garments? What kind of lace is this?" I thought I would feel uneasy answering questions about such intimate details, but I realized that they were just curious. I responded to each question as well as I could. In a few minutes, I fell into an easy dialogue regarding the lack of grace and femininity in today’s young ladies. One lady even pointed out that I was prettier and more graceful than her teenage daughter.

Soon, they tired, I tired, and, apparently, Claudia was also tired – so she smiled, bid the ladies good night and disappeared up the stairs. This left me wondering if I was delegated to sleep on a sofa. Well, Amy came to my rescue.

"Sweetheart, you ready to hit the hay, to exercise an over-used cliché."

"Yes, I’m tired, but where am I going to stay?"

Amy smiled, took my hand and led me upstairs.

To be continued.

Annie O

 

 

 

*********************************************
© 2002 by Ann O'Nonymous. All Rights Reserved. These documents (including, without limitation, all articles, text, images, logos, compilation design) may printed for personal use only. No portion of these documents may be stored electronically, distributed electronically, or otherwise made available without express written consent of the copyright holder.